Hoffman Soars High Ahead of I-55 Homecoming: A Thrilling Tech Tale
Nick Hoffman, known as “The Thrill From Mooresville,” is on cloud nine as he gears up for his much-anticipated return to Pevely, MO. This hometown comeback comes on the heels of his career-best finish at the Dirt Late Model Dream and just before the World of Outlaws St. Louis Firecracker Faceoff at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway from June 20-21.
From Fan to Foe: Hoffman’s Journey to I-55
Before making a name for himself in North Carolina, Hoffman spent countless summers in the Midwest, chasing checkered flags with his father, Darrell. I-55 Raceway was a staple in his childhood, where he literally grew up on the front straightaway:
“My dad raced there every Saturday night for the first 10 years of my life,” Hoffman reminisced. “I don’t know how many nights I stood on the front straightaway there… It’s pretty much where I grew up.”
As a junior flagman, he was intricately linked to the raceway’s fabric. Those formative experiences laid a foundation for his illustrious career.
Making Waves in Late Model Racing
Fast forward to 2018, and Hoffman was ready to take on his first Hell Tour campaign in Late Models. When the tour pulled into Pevely for a co-sanctioned event with the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Model Series, it was a pivotal moment for him:
“I was driving a Rocket car… it was my first Late Model opportunity,” he recalled.
Despite the oppressive heat and the challenges of a grueling tour, Hoffman secured his first World of Outlaws top 10 finish at I-55, marking his entry into the Late Model scene.
Eldora: A Long-Awaited Triumph
Over the years, Hoffman’s journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. Although he achieved several victories at I-55, Eldora Speedway remained an elusive challenge until this season. Known for hosting the 100-lappers that define legends, Eldora was a personal milestone Hoffman had yet to conquer.
But this year, everything clicked. After a series of impressive performances leading up to the event, he capitalized on a setback—a bent spoiler—in what could have sidelined most drivers. With sheer determination and a supportive pit crew, Hoffman fought back from 25th place to secure a career-best third finish, sharing the podium with racing titans Jonathan Davenport and Bobby Pierce.
"Now I’ve gotten myself to the point where I feel like our program’s where it needs to be,” he reflected, highlighting the significant evolution of his racing career.
Full Circle at Pevely
As he prepares for the St. Louis Firecracker Faceoff this weekend, Hoffman views this event as a full-circle moment. For many years, he was that passionate fan watching the stars of racing compete; now he stands among them as a formidable contender.
“I remember when Summer Nationals would come into town… To be the driver that some of these kids look up to is really pretty surreal,” he shared, emphasizing the dream come true that his journey represents.
Join the Excitement!
The St. Louis Firecracker Faceoff, taking place at the iconic I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway from June 20-21, promises to be an exhilarating event filled with thrilling racing. In addition to the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Model Series, fans can catch the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota and the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals in action, making it a must-see weekend.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history! Get your tickets in advance here. If you can’t make it to the race, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As Nick Hoffman prepares to take to the I-55 track once again, he carries with him the hopes of a bustling fan base and the memories of a childhood spent dreaming of glory. The momentum from Eldora and his continued success on the World of Outlaws trail put him in the perfect position to make waves in Pevely. This homecoming is more than a race; it’s a celebration of perseverance, memory, and the thrill of dirt track racing.
Join the community and be part of this journey—where passion and speed collide!
